We are proud to announce the publication of a groundbreaking article highlighting the powerful role everyday language plays in reinforcing — or challenging — traditional gender roles in rural Indonesia.

Titled "Reframing domestic roles: Language and gender equality in rural communities",  this research, conducted in Kendalrejo village, Pemalang Regency, Central Java, explores how simple word choices can perpetuate deep-rooted gender inequalities. Phrases like “husband helping the wife with childcare” may seem harmless, but they subtly imply that domestic responsibilities belong to women — and that when men engage, it's exceptional rather than expected.

Through interactive workshops and open discussions involving both men and women, the research introduced a fresh, participatory approach to examining gendered language. Using a Participatory Action Research (PAR) framework, the study engaged 10 carefully selected participants from diverse backgrounds. The result? A promising shift in perceptions — both women and men reported a heightened awareness of shared responsibilities in domestic work.

This intervention shows that language matters. It’s not just about semantics — it’s about social change. By reframing the way we talk about gender roles, especially in everyday contexts, we can begin to break down harmful norms and build more equitable communities.

This research reinforces our NGO’s mission to mainstream gender equality in all spheres of life. We believe that even small changes — like the words we choose — can lead to meaningful transformation.

Read our article publication here